The Prime Minister directed the development of a roadmap to open the country to welcome international tourists safely, scientifically and effectively.

The Prime Minister requested relevant ministries, branches and localities to urgently develop and implement plans, roadmaps and solutions to reopen international tourism activities safely, scientifically and effectively in the spirit of Resolution No. 155/NQ-CP dated December 8, 2021 of the Government.

The dispatch sent to Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Heads of Government agencies; Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities stated: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted and affected many sectors and fields of our country's economy, in which the tourism industry suffered serious losses, the number of international visitors to Vietnam in 2020 decreased by 76.7% compared to 2019 and in 2021 decreased by 95.9% compared to 2020; thereby affecting many related sectors and fields in the value chain such as: transportation, food and beverage, hotels, travel, retail, trade..., especially at tourist destinations and most key tourist localities of the country. To promote the recovery and development of the tourism industry, especially international tourism, in the context that the whole country is implementing the motto of safe and flexible adaptation, effective control of the COVID-19 epidemic and gradually opening the economy, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested:

1. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall preside over and coordinate with the Ministries of Health, National Defense, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Transport, Information and Communications, relevant ministries, branches and localities to urgently develop and implement plans, roadmaps and solutions to open international tourism activities safely, scientifically and effectively in the spirit of Resolution No. 155/NQ-CP dated December 8, 2021 of the Government; organize seminars for experts, scientists, managers and stakeholders to create consensus and unity; promote information and communication on ensuring safety for tourists and the message "Vietnam is a safe destination", develop a specific roadmap and publicly announce it so that relevant entities know and proactively implement it.

2. The People's Committees of provinces and centrally run cities shall proactively coordinate with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies to develop and promulgate specific plans for implementation; prepare medical capacity, human resources and material resources, proactively develop plans and solutions to ensure safety in epidemic prevention and control and handle arising medical incidents.

3. The Prime Minister assigned Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam to, on behalf of the Prime Minister, directly direct the development and implementation of plans and roadmaps for opening international tourism, ensuring safety, science and efficiency./.